Paul McLaney

About Paul McLaney

PAUL MCLANEY was born in Billingham, County Durham in 1975. He has made peace with the illusion of growing up, largely by avoiding it. Paul enjoys long words on the beach and the occasional limerick. Some of his best friends are songs.

Praise for The Deep Dark Hole

“A beauty to behold” - Roger McGough

“lets the light of hope in to illuminate the darkest of places and times” - Elsewhere

 

For more information, visit www.paulmclaney.com 


Genre:

  • Poetry

Skills:

  • Academic Writing
  • Freelance Designer
  • Illustration
  • Poetry Readings
  • Readings
  • Readings (adults)
  • Website Content

Branch:

Auckland

Location:

Publications:


The Deep Dark Hole

‘The Deep Dark Hole’

by Paul McLaney

ISBN 9780473658687

A tribute to resilience through creative expression, 'The Deep Dark Hole' by Paul McLaney offers insight into human emotion and helps navigate challenging times. Inspired by children's books, it aims to comfort and connect readers, fostering resilience. Sales support Music Helps.

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A Beacon of Light in Troubled Times: Paul McLaney's 'The Deep Dark Hole'

Available through various retailers, including JB Hi-Fi. 

A tribute to resilience found in creative expression, this is more than a book or a poem, it’s a tool to help you navigate through challenging times and universal struggles we all face, like the pervasive impact of depression or the loss of love.

At its core, 'The Deep Dark Hole' is an artistic journey that embodies author and veteran musician Paul McLaney's active exploration and deep insights into the intricate landscapes of human emotion.

"Inspired by children’s books and the way they can softly infiltrate our psyche, I’ve created this to reach people on a deeper level, especially during challenging times. 'The Deep Dark Hole' is my attempt to extend a hand to those who may feel lost and guide them towards a brighter place," says McLaney.

Much like a cherished treasure, this book holds a unique sense of objectness, serving as both a giver and a vessel of comfort, akin to a talisman or an amulet. Whether read from front to back or back to front, it serves as a source of solace, facilitating connections with loved ones and nurturing resilience.

The choice of this format was intentional. By allowing readers to physically engage with the book in various ways, it deepens the immersive experience and enhances its significance. How one holds and interacts with the book becomes an integral part of the journey, enriching the overall impact.

As a gesture of gratitude to the music community, a portion of sales will be donated to Music Helps, an organisation dedicated to providing ongoing support to individuals in the music industry.

"I owe so much to the music community that has been my constant companion throughout my journey. This is my way of giving back and supporting fellow artists and professionals who have faced challenges and experienced loss,” he says.

For general inquiries, purchase orders, and wholesale inquiries, please contact The End Publishing at publishing@theend.co.nz.

About The End Publishing:

The End Publishing is an Auckland-based publishing house run by Terrease McComb, committed to bringing meaningful and thought-provoking works to readers worldwide. With a focus on creativity, diversity, and community impact, The End Publishing strives to amplify voices and make dreams tangible. 

Bookshop Prayers

‘Bookshop Prayers’

by Paul McLaney

ISBN 9781067020101

'Bookshop Prayers' is the follow up from Paul McLaney's debut book 'The Deep Dark Hole' a collection of 200 poems aimed at adults of all ages. Inspired by the verse of poets like Roger McGough, Brian Patten, William Blake and Spike Milligan.

These new  words started as a way of compiling a body of paternal advice and comfort for his children. They soon evolved into observations and empathy with friends and family. Finally they expanded into that realm of everyone’s normal concerns; everyday poems for everyday use. Friendly verse patiently waiting in a book to have their moments. Some are sillier than others and some are sillier still. Amongst them you will hopefully discover  meditations, whimsy, well-meaning advice, doggerel, spells, wordplay and above all, a love of language engaged in a motivation to kindness; rhymes of cheer and good intent…

About Paul McLaney

Paul McLaney, born 1975 in Stockton-on-Tees, England, is a New Zealand-based music composer, singer, guitarist and author. In a musical career spanning 30 years, Paul McLaney has released a remarkable body of work under various guises; the rock and pop of Gramsci; the acoustic finger-style guitar and lush string arrangements of his solo work ‘EDIN’ ‘Diamond Side’; the ambient and experimental electronica of The Impending Adorations; prog-rock homage (Immram); the piano excursions of ‘The Old Traditions’ with Raashi Malik; the Te Reo song settings of Shakespeare and an ever expanding body of composition for theatre and dance – over 30 productions to date. 

Added to this are his collaborations; Anika Moa, SJD, Breaks Co-op, Julia Deans, Concord Dawn, Counterstrike, Fly My Pretties, Jeff Boyle (Jakob), Proteins of Magic, Magik Johnson, Eden Mulholland, Pacific Heights, Rhian Sheehan, Maisey Rika the list goes on and on...